Understanding Hydrophobic Soils
Last year, California saw what has been considered the worst wildfire season on record! Unfortunately, those wildfires aren't the only thing people in those areas of California need to be concerned with. Those wildfires lead to what is known as "hydrophobic soils," which can lead to flooding and mud flows. Keep reading to learn more about hyrophobic soils and why people in California and other wildfire prone areas need to be prepared and have flood protection on hand.
Hydrophoic soils are just what they sound like, soils that "fear" water. This condition causes water to collect on the surface rather than infiltrate into the ground. The main cause of hydrophobic soils is wildfires. These soils are created when hydrocarbon residue is created after organic material is burnt. That then soaks into empty pore spaces in the soils, making it impervious to water. While this condition is temporary, it can increase water repellency, surface runoff and erosion in post-burn sites.
Increased Runoff and Flooding
The hydrophobic soils have a limited ability to retain or absorb water, which can result in quicker stream flow delivery with the increased potential for flooding. When wildfires are followed by a heavy rainfall, flash flooding can easily occur. According to experts, it takes consistent rain to build up the moisture profile of that hydrophobic soil. This can take as much as two winters for the threat of flooding to go away after a wildfire.
Increased Erosion and Mudflows
The hydrophobic soil's inability to take in water can also lead to increased erosion. Soil that is susceptible to erosion can cause a lot of sediment in channels. This can then lead to mud flows or debris flows. After a fire, there's no protection from vegetation, and raindrops falling on exposed soil can cause the soil to blast apart, creating a debris field of smaller clumps. These smaller pieces are then more susceptible of being carried away during heavy rains.
Hydrophobic Soils
Hydrophoic soils are just what they sound like, soils that "fear" water. This condition causes water to collect on the surface rather than infiltrate into the ground. The main cause of hydrophobic soils is wildfires. These soils are created when hydrocarbon residue is created after organic material is burnt. That then soaks into empty pore spaces in the soils, making it impervious to water. While this condition is temporary, it can increase water repellency, surface runoff and erosion in post-burn sites.
Increased Runoff and Flooding
The hydrophobic soils have a limited ability to retain or absorb water, which can result in quicker stream flow delivery with the increased potential for flooding. When wildfires are followed by a heavy rainfall, flash flooding can easily occur. According to experts, it takes consistent rain to build up the moisture profile of that hydrophobic soil. This can take as much as two winters for the threat of flooding to go away after a wildfire.
Increased Erosion and Mudflows
The hydrophobic soil's inability to take in water can also lead to increased erosion. Soil that is susceptible to erosion can cause a lot of sediment in channels. This can then lead to mud flows or debris flows. After a fire, there's no protection from vegetation, and raindrops falling on exposed soil can cause the soil to blast apart, creating a debris field of smaller clumps. These smaller pieces are then more susceptible of being carried away during heavy rains.
Protection from Big Bags USA®
While experts may be working on ways to prevent hydrophobic soils and the damages associate with wildfires, communities need to prepare for flooding and mud flows in the meantime. Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems offer more than just your typical flood protection. They can be used in a variety of different emergency situations, including mud flows, debris flows and erosion. These barriers can handle the highest demands at a fraction of the costs associated with other rapid deployed systems. They have been field tested to protect against moving logs and other types of debris. Not only are they strong, but they are also flexible, allowing for deployment on any surface without the need for trenching or leveling to get a watertight seal. Big Bags USA® flood barriers can be used to protect property, provide traffic safety barriers and more! Visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 to learn more.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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